alignment

noun

align·​ment ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

variants or less commonly alinement

1

: the act of aligning or state of being aligned

especially : the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other

2

a

: a forming in line

b

: the line thus formed

3

: the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile

4

: an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another

new alignments within the political party

Examples of alignment in a Sentence

The school has to bring its programs into alignment with state requirements.

New alignments have been created within the political party.

Recent Examples on the Web

Given the alignment of symptoms and the raw seafood and salads eaten in Hawaii, the doctors gave a presumptive diagnosis of central nervous system angiostrongyliasis. —Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2025

Spreading ourselves too thin dilutes the humanitarian and strategic impact of our foreign assistance spending—that's why the alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities and programmatic efficiency tests are so important. —Ted Yoho, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025

Planet parades:Planetary alignments aren’t rare, but 6 visible planets are Will the planets align in February? —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025

When the background galaxy, lensing galaxy and telescope are in perfect alignment, the image appears as a ring, also known as an Einstein Ring. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 11 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alignment

• in alignment
• out of alignment

Kids Definition

alignment

noun

align·​ment

variants also alinement

ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

1

a

: the act of aligning : the state of being aligned

b

: the proper adjustment of parts in relation to each other

2

: an arrangement of groups or forces

a new political alignment